Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe
Cheeseburger Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and classic cheeseburger flavors like pickles, ketchup, and mustard. This quick and easy one-pot meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Pasta
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions: Using the same pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo back into the pot followed by shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Adjust flavorings if needed.
- Rest the Dish: Remove the pot from heat and let the orzo mixture sit for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Spoon the cheeseburger orzo into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking the beef.
- Feel free to use cheddar cheese slices if shredded cheese is unavailable, just chop into small pieces to help melting.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a side of steamed vegetables can help balance the meal with extra nutrients.
Keywords: cheeseburger orzo, orzo pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, quick easy dinner, one pot meal, comfort food